Strange Shift Stories I :The Blue Rag

Well, would you look at that, I haven't blogged in over a month. I guess I have been keeping busy. I got a job as a patient transporter at Banner Gateway Medical Center about two weeks ago and I LOVE it. It is a great pleasure to go to work on a weekly/daily basis. What really keeps me coming back though are the people, the patients and most of all the adventure and oddities. In most cases, one might run into at least one humorous situation during a shift.

For instance, when I'm done transporting a patient I have to take the bed, disinfect it and wipe it down with something called a blue rag. Now the blue rag is not a complicated medical tool, it does not have some hidden medical meaning; it is simply a rag that is blue. Now when I am done with the blue rag I have to throw it in a bin (which has a blue trash bag, interestingly enough) that says, "blue rags only" on the top of its lid. Well, today I ran into a predicament. I went to clean a bed with a blue rag and the rag- was not blue. It had been bleached and indeed was a lovely off-white.

Now what?

Well, where do you put the blue rags that someone has geniously bleached white? Is there an aptly named "reject" bin?

I looked.

There is no such thing. So I had to settle for breaking the clearly stated rules of the blue rag bin lid. I walked away feeling like quite the rebel. But what was I to do? Throw it in the trash? Of course not. They wash and reuse such valuable items. So, my friend, find yourself in such a predicament and you might just have to bend the rules a wee bit. I guess it was a blue rag once.

It's like fruit when it gets bruised. You don't throw it in the fruit bin because it's "not fruit anymore". But why not? It was fruit once. Someone who doesn't care about bruises on fruit will walk by and be delighted that you put that bruised peach back in the drawer. So put the reject blue rag in the blue rag bin. That's right, you rebel; do it. Maybe someone should talk to the guy cleaning the rags. Maybe his mother never told him that bleach removes color.

Thus ends the first of many Strange Shift Stories.

Keep your rags straight,
Alex

CCO Transporter
BGMC =)

Long Time, No Blog

It's been far too long since my last blogger blog. I posted a few on the Myspace and totally forgot about my Blogger. I forgot how much blogging really helps me get my eyes in the right place for the day. Things have been real busy lately. Since my last blog I decided that I want to go to the Herberger School of Arts (no, they don't make hamburgers there). That's ASU's school for Arts and such. I want get my Jazz Studies Major and Lord-willingly work towards my Performance Major. It's going to be a huge load of work to do it but I am ready and willing to spend lots of timing learning all that I can. With the help of my awesome guitar teacher Donnie, it's going to be hard work but worth all the hours of practice. Can I just say that my guitar teacher is the best? Really, he is. Anyway, did you know that putting "anyways" at the beginning of a sentence is grammatically incorrect? Well, here's a prayer and some lyrics for the day! Have a good day.

Prayer for today:
Dear Lord, I pray that today I will surrender all control to you. Please help me to keep my anger not only to myself but to avoid becoming angry at all. Please help me be patient with all of those around me. Thank you for never giving up on me even when it seems that you should. You are beautiful and amazing beyond description. Your grace is so amazing. Thank you for your love. Amen.

Lyrics for today:

I'm as eloquent as an elephant
I'm as headstrong as the Mighty King Kong
On a rampage throwing airplanes
I can't believe you haven't gone away
I am difficult, argumentative
I'm as thick-skulled as the dinosaur bones on a display in a glass case
I can't believe you haven't run away

It must be different through your eyes
Because you look at me like it's the first time
That you've ever seen my face

I'm preoccupied with a crowded mind
I get off track like a train rolling back to the future
Never too sure who'll be here when I come back around
But I'm finding out

It must be different through your eyes
Because you look at me like it's the first time
That you've ever seen my face

"Eloquent"- Sanctus Real

I'm Sitting on My Phone (When, In All Reality, I Don't Actually Own a Phone)

Which, in fact, is true. I am indeed sitting on my cellphone while I am here at my job which doesn't pay me a cent. It's all good though, I am a volunteer, but I work a lot. Anyway, the reason I am sitting on my phone it that I want to make sure I could feel my phone vibrate if it rings. For some reason I cannot feel this particular phone vibrate in any of my front pockets. And since I work in a hospital, I really shouldn't have my phone on ring. Now, bristle not, I am doing my job, but sometimes there is a lull and I get to do random things like explore the chasms of wikipedia or (to my recent delight) blog. There are a lot of Internet restrictions here on the work computers, but I found a way to make do and entertain myself. It's funny how things are. I don't think I ever really spend a lot of time on wikipedia but when I am here at work I can be on wikipedia for two hours at a time. Just because you work in an endless field of work, it does allow though for the occasional lull. I get off in about an hour and a half...oh just kidding two and a half hours. Or maybe I'll try and get my supervisor to let me go back to my humble home. I'll try that. Yeah, sounds like a good idea. And I just took my phone out of my pocket because I discovered that my phone gets no service in my pocket, because T-Mobile doesn't have the greatest coverage. So if I move the phone about two feet, I get perfect service. So the phone is no longer in my pocket. Haha. Scrubs are comfortable. This is the longest, most random blog. And to top of the randomness, I'll add a lovely picture.

Good Grief, Blogger Brown!

WAH??? She forgot to blog? Yes I did. I've been working Dialysis at the hospital lately. Such things keep one quite busy! I haven't had time for anything, not even a social life. LOL. Well, hopefully I get the day off today. God has been teaching me all kinds of awesome things. Like patience and humility. Did you know that most people (like me) who tend to have a bad temper, need to work on their humility?? God showed me that. I kind of didn't think of them as synonymous. BUT they are! And God has really just been teaching me to look out for others, not me. What a great God we serve, eh?? If I could express is typing, it would be something like this: AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! God really is! Mmmmhmmmm.

Prayer for Today:
Jesus, please help me to flip myself upside down for you, give me passion for the world around me and to shine your light to it. Please give me your compassion and love for those around me. You are amazing beyond description, thank you for being my best friend even when I feel like giving up. You hold my hand when I can't even hold myself up! Thank you for your mercy! I love you forever. Amen.

Lyrics for today:

Looked down from a broken sky
Traced out by the city lights
My world from a mile high
Best seat in the house tonight
Touched down on the cold black tile
Hold on for the sudden stop
Breath in the familiar shock
Of confusion and chaos
Are those people going somewhere?
Why have I never cared?

Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me your heart for the once forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see
yeah
yeah
yeah
yeah

Step out on a busy street
See a girl and our eyes meet
Does her best to smile at me
To hide whats underneath
There's a man just to her right
Black suit and a bright red tie
To ashamed to tell his wife
He's out of work
He's buying time
Are those people going somewhere?
Why have I never cared?

I've Been there a million times
A couple of million eyes
Just moving past me by
I swear I never thought that I was wrong
Well I want a second glance
So give me a second chance
To see the way you see the people all alone

-Brandon Heath "Give Me Your Eyes"

Dashboard

Hoh my wow...I thought someone was breaking in this morning! It was scary. My parents are gone for their anniversary and my brothers were out for Josh's swim team which happens every morning. But they kept pouding on the door. So I decided to ignore it. I have to go get guitar strings today. Actually within the next hour so I can record and finalize at least two tracks for my album. So off, to work! Have a a great day! Oh I titled today's "Dashboard" because that was the first word I saw when I came to blog =)

My Prayer for Today:
Dear Jesus, as I go throuh this day, help me to focus on doing what I have to do and do it well for your glory. You are amazing beyond anything or anyone could ever describe. Thank you for being my best friend and for reeling me back in when I have swam so far away from you! Thank you Lord. Amen.

Lyrics for Today:
Hey little sister
Why do you cry?
Holding your head so low,
May I ask you why?

Don't you know that He loves you?
Don't you know that He cares?
He will never leave you, no,
And never leave you there.

'Cause you are perfect
You are perfectly,
Perfectly done.

And hey little brother,
I know life has been rough.
But I believe in you,
'Cause in God you are tough.

You must stand tall,
And leave it all.
Never let this whole world,
Take away your soul.

'Cause you are perfect,
You are perfectly,
Perfectly done.

You are perfect,
Yes, you are perfectly done.

"Perfectly Done"- Shawn McDonald

Getting Older and Moving On

It's pretty amazing. The people I have experienced my every life struggle, happiness, joy, sadness, gid with have now graduated. They are on to the real world. I am just so blown away by God's mercy and grace upon them. All five of them are such wonderful, Godly people I can't even begin to express how amazingly molded in Christ's image these kids are. Haha kids...they aren't kids anymore. Funny enough, neither am I; I'm a senior now. God's mercy and goodness are truely overwhelming in our lives. I'm so wowed. If any of you seniors ever end up reading my blog: Well done, my dear friends. You are in my prayers, keep Christ first and always look to Him for your strength. And come visit me at school =) I love you all! Now back to what I was saying. God's amazing power. When you really take a step back and see how much your friends have grown, God's beauty is really evident. At least to me it is. So I'm going to take this time to pray a prayer of thanksgiving.

Prayer for Today:
Dear Jesus, I am completely overwhelmed by your goodness and your mercy in my life and the lives of my friends. I pray that I never cease to see the glory in it all. THank you for being my fortress and strong rock as I have grown. I pray Lord that as I continue to grow that I will never grow away from you but I pray that would only grow closer to you. Please bless the graduates in this new stage of life. AMEN.

Monday Mania

AH SUMMER. first Monday of summer, I have to work a big bulk of the day, but it's cool!! Getting ready for a big giant party. I haven't had a big party at my house, well, in a very long time. I MUST clean my room today. It's a dump. Just had some breakfast and an Orange Julius, yum. Not a whole lot more to blog about. Working on patience. Patience is an amazing gift...that I definitely have very little of. And I hit blog number 20 the other day!!! WOW. cool.

Prayer for Today:
Dear Jesus, I am a restless soul. I am not patient. Please help me to see Your plan is right and it goes at the right speed. You are great and mightier than all my problems, help me to always look to you! Thank you for your grace and your patience with me. I can't do the things I need to do alone. Thank you for being my support. AMEN.

Lyrics for today:

Did I change your mind with
What I said last night?
Did I break your heart by
Straying so far?
From what you have in mind
For my life?

Would you change me from
Who I've been lately?
'Cause I know I'm nothing
Without you

Did my words betray the
Patience I once claimed
Can't you see it in my face?
I need your grace

Would you change me from
Who I've been laterly?
'Cause I lnow I'm nothing
Without you
Would you save me from
The way I've been lately?
'Cause I can't see living
Without you

Would you change me from
Who I've been lately?
'Cause I lnow I'm nothing
without you
Would you break me from
The way I've been lately?
'Cause I can't see living
Without you

"Change Me"- Sanctus Real

I Got a Haircut...

Actually I got a few too many cut...it's a little bit too short =( I miss my hair already. It's a good thing hair grows. Let's look on the bright side for a moment: even though it's rainy outside (yay btw!)...I have awide array of hats. =)And it's the last day of school!

Summer Feet

So, I'm pretty sick. The kind where no matter what you eat, your stomach doesn't like it. And I just went out to get the mail. That was hot. Just getting my summer feet on. I don't actually wear shoes very often in the summer. I can even walk on the hot pavement! But that particular walk was pretty hot because I haven't got my summer feet yet. I also got some sunshine, I haven't gotten any of that for about 24 hours. I definitely skipped my history final today but my mom's gonna give it to me when she gets home, because she's the history teacher. YAY! I think that I'm going to do some laundry so I have clean clothes. Because that's why you do laundry. Anyway this blog couldn't be any more random so...I'm going to go study =) Good day to you all. I'm kind of liking this adding pictures to my blog thing...it seems more...colorful. Cheers.

Please Take a Number and Wait Until We Call You!

Or in other words, sit and wait while stress brews and your mind spills out information that you need for your biggest speech of the year. That's what's happening. I am doing my speech right now and things are disappearing. This calls for a prayer for today!

Prayer for Today:
Dear Jesus, I FEEL LIKE I'M GOING CRAZY!! Please help me to just relax and work hard. YOu reward hard workers, those who work to your glory. Please help me to do my very best and at all costs, not to give up! YOu are my strength and my fortress, thank you for being my all in all. I love you with all my heart. Thank you. Amen

The Cards You're Delt

I have to memroize six more pages of material. I don't really have the time to write a big blog so here is a video that was incredibly moving to me. Have a look and think about it. http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1517481413/bclid1527697194/bctid1533001469

Bog?? Try Blog.

I haven't blogged in almost a week and don't nearly have time to be writing this one. But blogging is somewhat of a stress-reliever, so I'll just update you for a minute here. Also, I noticed that the last blog that in the title I wrote "bog" instead of "blog", hence the title of this blog. I, being the grammar/spelling geek I am, wanted so badly to go edit it, but I just found it so funny that I left it and thought I would make fun of myself. It's funny really, I go back and read my blogs to make sure I spelled everything right and fix anything that is grammatically incorrect. I like grammar. God made a very wonderful thing when He invented language. It's amazing really. Well, I have many things to do (that is, besides blogging). Happy week!

First Bog of the Month of May!

California was simply amazing. It was nice to be away from home for awhile. But when it all comes down to it: there's no place like home. Which is where I need to focus this week. Jesus is the home for my heart, and if I go "on a vacation" I'm going to miss Him. Because that's where I really supposed to be. When we decide that the world is a suitable place for a home, that's where we are very wrong. I can't tell you how many times I've thought that I would be alright in the world hanging out. Oh was I wrong. Over there, sin starts eating away at your holiness and sincerity. This week, then, I need to focus on the true residence of my heart: Jesus Christ my Savior. And the amazing thing is that I am going to stray off into the world every now and then but Jesus will always take me back into His arms!

Prayer for Today:
Jesus, my sinful mind likes to do worldly things, but my heart desires to follow you. Please help me to keep my eyes on you at all times. You are my lighthouse on this dark and rocky sea, I love you. Thank you for you grace, even when I do fall and try to do things on my own. Your faithfulness overwhelms my soul. Help me to serve today. Amen

Lyrics for Today:

The reason why I stand
The answer lies in you
You hung to make me strong
Though my praise was few
When I fall I bring your name down
But I have found in you
A heart that bleeds Forgiveness
replacing all these thoughts of painful memories
And I know your response will always be

I'll take you back always
Even when your fight is over now
I'll take you back
Even when the pain is coming through
I'll take you back

I can only speak with a grateful heart
As I'm pierced by this gift of your love
I will always bring an offering
I can never thank you enough

You take me back always
Even when my fight is over now
You take me back
Even when the pain is coming through
You take me back

"Take You Back" -Jeremy Camp

What's a Blog? Who's a Blog? Oh! There's a Blog!

Tomorrow: it's off to California for some coaster and some beach. Leaving home always get me thinking of what it will be like on my own, my own car, my own family. It feels wierd, but it feels so right. So at that point I have to get back to reality. Wait on my Savior. His timing is perfect and He will take care of me. His plan for my life is perfect and perfectly amazing. Well, that's all the blog I have time for this morning.

My Prayer for Today:
Jesus, It's amazing how you continue to love me even through the silly things that I do throughout the day and the thousands of times I sin and forget that you are always near me. Help me please to give up my pride and lay it at your feet. Thank you Lord. Amen.

In the Early Hours of the Morning...

Is not when I wrote this blog, but that's when I got up this morning. It was about 4:30, the sun-forsaken hours of the morning. What I didn't realize when I woke up this morning (even though I only got 3 hours of sleep) is that God was taking care of me, even then. Sometimes, I hear some people call early hours of the morning "the God-forsaken hour of ____". I realize that He never forsakes me, even when I'm too sleepy and sinful to think about my heavenly Father. He always takes care of me. He watches over my soul and my life, even when I'm falling into sin or despair. I think, however short I make this blog (only a few more sentences), I've realized that He loves me more than I'll ever know. More than my finite human mind could ever comprehend. After nearly 5 years in His arms, I've never regreted being in God's fold. I've doubted His promises because I'm a sinner, but I've never regreted it. He wraps His arms around me so tight, how could I possibly regret? There's no way I'm going back to the way I was. Which will tie in really nicely to the lyrics for today.

Lyrics for Today:
It's not the end
But it feels like it is
I'm waking up
Like I'm back from the dead
I'm stepping out
And I feel so afraid But as long as I'm moving it's alright

I feel alive
And it hurts for a change
And looking back and it's hard to believe
That I was cool
With the days that I wasted complacent and tasteless and bored
but that was yesterday

We're never going back to OK
We're never going back to easy
We're never going back to the way it was
We're never going back to OK

This discontent
Like a slap in the face
Of mediocre
I've had enough of this place
This party's over
And I'm moving away from the frills of you Beverly Hills
but that was yesterday

We're never going back to OK
We're never going back to easy
We're never going back to the way it was
We're never going back to OK

We're here to stay
This is our time
Our only life
Our chance to live

We're never going back to OK
We're never going back to easy
We're never going back to the way it was
We're never going back to OK

"Never Going Back to OK" -The Afters

P.S.
I also highly recommend these guys. I haven't heard much of their new album but their old one (I Wish We All Could Win) is fantastic.

76 Trombones and a Big Parade.

It does seem that I did not blog yesterday. However sad this is, I am writing one today, so don't be sad. With a slightly irregular schedule at the moment, I never know when I'm going to be busy. Yesterday, my Mom and I went to see our friends Peter and Renee perform the music man with 55 other people; I was quite impressed. I really don't like the story but the group pulled it off pretty nicely. Beforehand, we went to Firehouse Subs, which was amazing, by the way. I highly recommend it. Better than Quizno's. Today, well, today is Friday. Friday's are great! No more school for 2 days! Being in a band is fun and hard at the same time. It's a lot harder than doing solo work. But it's still fun because there's a camraderie that you don't get with, well, yourself because it's only you. With people, jokes are made, other musical thoughts aside from you own are created, all kinds of things you don't do yourself. I am very blessed.

Lyrics for today:

We fall down
We lay our crowns
At the feet of Jesus
The greatness of
Mercy and love
At the feet of Jesus

We cry holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
Is the lamb

We fall down
We lay our crowns
At the feet of Jesus
The greatness of
Mercy and love
At the feet of Jesus
We cry holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
Is the lamb

We cry holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
Is the lamb

My Jesus, I love you
I know thou are mine
To thee all the follies of sin I resign
My gracious redeemer
My savior, art thou
If ever I'll love you
My Jesus tis now

"We Fall Down (My Jesus I Love Thee)" - Chris Tomlin

Shleiden, the Infantry's Flanking the Left Side!!!

So, I just ate some Arby's. Tasty. Beef N' Chedda. Before that, I took my little brother out to Target so he could buy some stuff with his gift card from his birthday. He ended up buying some little World War II soldiers, which are pretty cool. The reason he got them: well, I promised that I would play with war with him. =P So we named then all and fought with them. It's actually pretty fun. It takes me back to the days when I played action figures and things with my older brother. What simple things in life can make someone's day. It's great to see someone's face "glow". That's like instant blessing. Wouldn't be cool if happiness came in like an instant coffee jar? "Just add humans." Naw, that would make life no fun =) I'm glad God didn't decide to put happiness in jars. Besides, I'm poor, I would never be able to afford something like that. Haha! Wow, God really helped me through a crazy emotional day. It was like Mt. Everest to Pacific Ocean all day. Somehow I made it. Only because of my dearest most amazing Savior. Without Him I would be...I'm not sure exactly, but I definitly wouldn't want to be friends with me. I also learned to watch out on "both sides". Because Satan likes to take you from the side you're not watching. Ambush. Yeah. Man, I learned a lot today.

In case you didn't notice, I only do the 'prayer for today' in the morning =) But here's some lyrics =)

Lyrics for Today:
Love is all around you now
So take a hold
Hidden in our words
It sometimes ain't enough
Don't suffocate day after day
It's building up
Cause when you're feeling weak
You know I'm strong enough

Just one more day
One more day

Oh, let the world crash
Love can take it
Oh, let the world come crashing down
Oh, let the world crash
Love can take it
Love can take a little
Love can give a little more

Love is indestructible
So take a hold
Sometimes hard to find
A reason good enough
I'll stand beside you
Never leave through it all
And faith will bring a way
To the impossible

Just one more day
One more day

Oh, let the world crash
Love can take it
Oh, let the world come crashing down
Oh, let the world crash
Love can take it
Love can take a little
Love can give a little more

You can find me
You can find me
You can find me anywhere
Take a look over your shoulder
I'll be standing there
Standing there

Love is all around you now
So take a hold
And faith will bring a way
To the impossible

Just one more day
(You can find me, You can find me)
One more day
(You can find me anywhere)

Let the world crash
Love can take it
Oh, let the world come crashing down
Oh, let the world crash
Love can take it
Love can take a little
Love can take a little
Love can take a little
Love can give a little more
A little more

Take a little more
Take a little more

"A Little More"- Skillet

Who Left the Dead Animal in the Pantry??

Anybody ever had to ask this question before? Or how about, "Did something die in here?" I'd take a gander and say that you probably have walked into your pantry sometime in your life and smelt the most terrible scent that has ever graced your nostrils and asked one of those questions. I had that experience this very day. I came home and went into the pantry for some cereal and came these words, "Ehhhhhh, it smeels like a dead animal in here!" Alas, it was a dead animal: ham that was cut, cooked, and in a tupperware container, rotting. I took care of the situation, but there's that lingering scent that I anticipate every time I come within a 10 foot radius of the pantry. With that being said, I'm going to tie this to something of value. Think of this situation like a bad attitude. It "smells" like something died: your humility and servanthood. And not only that you can smell it from a mile away. And not just that either: you know it smells and so everytime you know you're going to be near it, you avoid it. It seems like whenever my mother asks me to clean the kitchen, my attitude stinks like a dead animal in a tupperware container that you can't find. Just about an hour ago, my mother asked me to clean the kitchen and then she basically ran for the hills (not literally, but she said it and was about ready to go into her room) and guess what I said, "Mom, it's not even my night." You know how long it took me to clean the kitchen? Like ten minutes. And I was complaining. SO if you don't want people to avoid you because they know your attitude always stinks, then throw away animal and wash out the Tupperware container. As much as my attitude stinks, I should probably wash the container about 1,000 times a day. Work in progress? I sure think so. Thank God for His grace and love to help us with things like attitudes. Because we certainly need Him or we'd always smell like dead animals. What an amazing God we serve.

Lyrics for today:
My heart is restless in me
My wings are all worn out
I'm walking in the wilderness
And I cannot get out

I need You, Oh, I need You
Blessed Savior come
I need You, Oh, I need You
Fill the every longing in my sould

Oh, how I need You, Lord
I need Your perfect Word
With tearful eyes to see
The sin that I afford
I need to weep and prayer
For all the thousand ways
That I have failed You just today

My bed is soaked with sadness
My sadness has no end
A downward spiral of despair
That I keep falling in
I need You, Oh, I need You
To You my soul shall fly
I need You, Oh, I need You
Yaweh, how I love You more than life

Your silence is like death to me
So won't You hear my desperate plea
Today my soul is soaring
Way over mountains high
Though I can see the valleys
They're all just passing by

It's not that I am stronger
Look at my feeble wings
But I've been lifted higher
Yaweh's lifted me in His own strength

Oh, how I love You, Lord
I love Your perfect Word
With tearful eyes to see The God who always will endure

Now I will celebrate
For all the thousand ways
That You have shown me grace
And made my heart in grace to stay
You've made my heart in grace to stay
Lord, make my heart in grace to stay
I need You, Oh, I need You

"I Need You"- The Swift

Now Back to Particularly Random Titles

Wow! A new week! God has brought me safely through last week's bedlam and pandemonium (oo would you look at that?? One good weekend of sleep and I'm already using big words) I still have a ton of work to do this week and lots of errands to run today. But it won't be as hectic as last week. No more play. Yay! Good experience, but I now have time to work on my sanity. I had a "I-forgot-how-to-deal-with-people" moment yesterday, thankfully I have a forgiving and loving dad who understands. He gave me that "dad-look" and I knew I'd done it. All that being said here's

my prayer for today:
Jesus, give me patience to serve and love those around me, even though I'm really tired and really would rather be home and not working. Help me to seek Your face and live for You. Teach my heart to constantly sing praise to You! You are so amazing beyond everything I could ever understand. Thank you for your awesome love. Amen.

Lyrics for Today:

I think I caught a glimpse of life without friends
Bitter, empty, hollow, dark and lonely
We never meant to hurt each other
So can we trust again
And take it as a chance To keep on growing

I don’t know why it doesn’t come easy
But I know that we could be happy
If we’d only learn to love

Oh oh we need each other
So what’s the fighting for
Oh oh we need each other
Please don’t close the door
Oh oh we need each other
Through all the highs and lows
Oh oh we need each other
'cause no one’s meant to be alone

Life revolves around the need
Of having someone
Causing every complicated feeling
Oh and I don’t want to lose you
so there is nothing wrong
with telling me what you need
To keep our love strong

It’s just a part of being a family
Taking the good with the bad and the ugly
If we could only learn to love

Oh oh we need each other
So what’s the fighting for
Oh oh we need each other
Please don’t close the door
Oh oh we need each other
Through all the highs and lows
Oh oh we need each other
'cause I don’t want to be alone

Oh Oh we need each other
Fathers and Mothers
Oh oh we need each other
All your sisters and brothers
Oh oh we need each other
We need friends and lovers
Oh Oh we need each other

Well I need you
You need me
'Cause that’s the way
It’s meant to be
I need you
We need each other
(I don’t want to be alone)

"We Need Each Other" - Sanctus Real

Good Morning Party Land

Yesterday had to be one of the most chaotic days of my week. I went to school, then left at 12:15 for lunch had to be back at 12:30 from a place that was already 15 minutes away. So I grabbed my Someburros, made like an elephant and got back to school as fast as I could without speeding. By the time I got there, they were about to leave. Mrs. Mahaffy told me to follow her to the hair academy. So we got on the freeway. I lost her almost instantly because she got in to HOV lane and was going fast. Two problems: I don't speed and I was only one person (so no HOV lane for me). By the time we got into Tempe, I got off on the wrong ramp and had no idea how I was going to get back. More problems. My lunch (which I only ate a little of, because driving with yours knees in a little precarious) then spills everywhere. Fortunately my burrito stayed but my chips and salsa didn't: there was salsa all over the passengers side and chips everywhere. Then I realized I don't have a cell phone and can't call anyone. So I thought that I could get to a pay phone; I didn't have enough money for a pay phone. I just spent the little money I had on a burrito and a small drink. By that time I was pretty overwhelmed and very lost. I let it all get to me and just started to cry. Then I just cried out to Jesus and asked for His protection and guidance and maybe help to find some way back to where I was supposed to be. About a mile after I said my prayer, I decided to get off on 50th street to see if I could find something. And there, right off the off ramp was a church. The River of Life church. God had answered my prayers. Just like that. How crazy amazing is that??? Long story longer, I got help from the church people, got to the hair academy, went home, drove to the performance, performed and went home. There's no other way to put it: God cares and He will guide us. He really showed some amazing grace to me yesterday.

My prayer for today:
Jesus, thank you for your help and your love. You have carried me through this tough week and showed me how to love in a way I didn't know I could. Please help me to acknowledge your amazing grace in my life. I love you so mcuh and pray that you would grow me and help me be the best that I can be in You. Amen

Lyrics for today:
Jesus you have carried me
When I could not stand
Jesus you have carried me
It's all been part of your plan

Jesus you have carried me
It's your footprints in the sand
Jesus you have carried me
It was always in your hands

-Jeremy Camp "Carried Me"

Good Morning Land of the Eloquent Elephants!

The first night was a sucess! Better than any of our first nights ever, so I'm told. It's kind of fun being all proper and things. We have two more to go and I'm excited to step it up tonight, even though I have absolutely NO energy whatsoever. Have to go get my hair done by Christiana today. She's my professional hairdresser (in training). But she's good! Yesterday, I was late due to a small stampede of elephants in front of my house (ehm, laundry wasn't done) I'm afraid they may be back again today. They're pretty awesome though. Well, off to another busy day.

My Prayer today:
Jesus, I know that you are my dearest most faithful friend! Thank you so much for being here for me this week! I know I can ALWAYS count on You to encourage me and hold me in Your arms. Thank you for your grace and mercy to me this week! Please help me to hold my angry tongue so that I can shine your light effectively. Please help me through this busy day. I lay my burdens at your feet. Amen.

No time for lyrics this morning, sorry =)
Have a great day!
Alex

Good Morning Grand (Wacko) Land!

Dress rehearsal was pretty fantastic last night. Went to Filly B's afterwards with Hannah, Kevin, Kelly and Daniel and Jacob. It was nice to do something besides drama. But tonight's the first night. I have so many things to do today. I have to get my hair cut, have to do homework, fit a nap in somewhere and maybe find time to be sane. We are burning the candle at both ends. Off to school. Though I think I'm going to be late, unfortunately. Forgot to do some laundry =\ But it's almost dry.

Prayer for today:
God, I feel very rushed today. I feel like I'm not getting anything done. And when I want to do something I don't want to do it well. I only want to do it half-heartedly. Please forgive me for my lazy attitude. Help serve my family, friends, and my teachers with a grateful and happy spirit. Today will be rough if I don't look to you. So please help me focus my eyes on you. Give me grace and love towards everyone I meet today. Help me to be a bright shining light of Your Love. Amen

Lyrics for today:
Overwhelm me with your love
And never let me go
Drown away the crashing waves
Leave me water for my soul

Overwhelm me with your love
And heal my broken heart
Keep me down upon my knees
Till your love is all I see

I have my hope in the beauty of your majesty
And all that I cannot see

I'm all I am
Because of what you gave up
Life for death
How do I start to say that I'm thankful Jesus

Overwhelm me with your love
Set my mind on things above
Show me what you have in store
For my home beyond this world

Overwhelm me with your love
And burn my heart again
Keep me focused on your cross
So I know I'm forgiven

I know you hear me very time I whisper to the throne
I'm all I am because of you

"Overwhelm Me"- Adie

Good Morning Fatigue Land (Blog Number Five)!!

Wow! It's finally Wednesday. It seems like it took forever to get here, but it came just as fast as God wanted it too. So here on Wednesday, I have some of my sanity left! We have a dress rehearsal "family night" so we'll be in for an audience tonight. Which should relieve any nervousness present in anyone. I'm so happy today is chapel day. It's quite delightful to get to worship God at school during the middle of a crazy week.

Prayer for today:
Dear Jesus, Please give me patience, kindness and the fruits of the spirit that are spoken in Your Word (Galatians 5:22). It will be a lot easier for me to be selfish today but please help me consider others as more important than myself. Help me to love you with my whole being today, because you deserve every last bit of my praise and then some. I am thankful that you are eternal and that you never stop loving me even when I fall and fail to look to you. Thank you. Amen.

Lyrics for today:
I know this life I lead will pass away
Along with every other earthly thing
So I will set my heart on a higher plain
Where my treasure lies with You

And in this marriage of our hearts
There is no death do us part
For You are eternal
And I am eternally Yours

And I could never lose Your love to sickness
Oh I could never lose You to divorce
And there's no concept of abandonment
For I am safe within Your arms

And in this marriage of our hearts
There is no death do us part
For You are eternal And I am eternally Yours
Oh I am eternally Yours
I am eternally Yours

(No abandonment)(Safe within Your arms)
I never had enough until I found You
I never knew love until I met You
I never had enough until I found You
And now I have everything

And in this marriage of our hearts
There is no death do us part
For You are eternal And I am eternally Yours
And I am eternally Yours
Oh I am eternally Yours

I could never lose You
No I will never lose You
I could never lose You
And this life will pass away

But You will never change
Oh this life will pass away
Oh but You will never change

"Eternal"-Sanctus Real

Think on Christ's amazing love for you today.
Alex

Good Morning Wacky Land!

Ah, the tiredness is already setting in. If this is how I am with a drama production, I wonder how I'll be when I decide to go on tour (haha yeah right, I wish). More school, than nap, drama, sleep. It kind of makes me think of Copeland's "Eat Sleep Repeat" album. We had band practice yesterday, that went very well; we got lots of stuff done in a short amount of time. We should be ready to play a show in a couple of weeks. Another crazy day. There's definitely no way I could do this alone =) God is good to me.

Prayer for today:
Lord, I am tired and have no desire to do what I'm supposed to do. Please give me strength and determination to fufill my responsibilities and also the joy to do it well for your glory. Help me to serve others with a happy heart and show them that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Amen

Lyrics for today :
If weakness is a wound that no one wants to speak of
Then "cool" is just how far we have to fall
I am not immune, I only want to be loved
But I feel safe behind the firewall
Can I lose my need impress?
If you want the truth I need to confess

I'm not alright, I'm broken inside
And all I go through, it leads me to you

Burn away the pride
Bring me to my weakness
Until everything I hide behind is gone
And when I'm open wide with nothing left to cling to
Only you are there to lead me on.
Honestly, I'm not that strong.

I'm not alright... that's why I need you.
"I'm Not Alright" -Sanctus Real

PS I very highly recommend any of their albums. Go get one =)

Good Morning Chaos Land!!

Here we go! This should be a fun week. Schedule for this week: School, nap, then drama. Got up at six this morning, got my laundry out of the dryer, prayed and then listen to some Sanctus Real to get my morning started out with my eyes in the right place. Stayed tuned for a much more tired and boring me. To work I go!

My prayer for today: God help me through this chaotic week. Help me to keep my eyes on you even though I might get overwhemled with responsibilities. Please help me to be a servant and lay down my troubles at your feet. Give me the strenth to be a bright shining light for you.
Amen

4 Days Until First Performance!!

So I am bracing myself for a crazy week. I have 3 drama performances this week. And three rehearsals before that. It just good to remember that God's in control and He's got it covered. I just need to not get stressed. Prayer, my friends, is quite essential to alleviating stress. Well, off to study lines =) Maybe play some guitar, write some music to relax a little.

Blog Number One

Hello, my blog-viewing friend!
Welcome to my blog, and my first post. I have had a couple of blogs and I always find that writing the first blog is always the hardest. So here I am trying to write my first blog and all I am doing is rambling. I suppose it's only natural. Of all the places I have blogged I would have to say that this one is the best. I like it's format. Anyway, since I've got the first blog out of the way, I'm sure the other ones will probably be a bit more interesting. I'll try to blog frequently. So till next time, put the ladder down, you can't climb into my world yet =)